CHICKENSOCKS

The Ancient Geeks and Junior Shakespeares creative-writing clubs gave a grand public reading last month to launch their new book, Chickensocks, at the Petrovich Club in Prague 1. The evening was an opportunity for these young writers, between 7 and 13 years old, to present highlights of the poetry and prose they have written during a series of workshops with British author Clare Wigfall. If you missed the Geeks and Shakespeares this time, you’ll have another chance to catch them soon.  By popular demand, the Ancient Geeks will be returning for a second year at the Prague Fringe theater festival, performing June 2–3.  The Junior Shakespeares plan to read again at the Petrovich club June 19.

Students from The English College in Prague, the Jan Kepler Gymnazium and the Grenaa School in Denmark met together in the Vysočany Town Hall meeting chamber March  21 to take part in a seminar on psychology, economics and history. Bellarina McDonnell, an American psychologist, led a workshop on Creative Tools for Self-Esteem, Ondřej Kopečný from the Glopolis organization introduced the topic Globalization and the Czech Republic and Oldřich Černý, director of Forum 2000, spoke about Life Under Communism. Further seminars on topics of current interest and importance are planned in the future, when other schools in Prague will be invited to take part.

The Neverland Art Preschool has hosted a snow carnival last month, where students received a visit from the “Friendly Snowman.” The carnival was celebrated with a parade and interactive “fun fair” games such as igloo making, a labyrinth challenge, ice painting and carnival-button making. Prizes were given at the end of the event by a ticket draw followed by an international potluck. Next year, Neverland plans to celebrate Masopust, the traditional Czech carnival. 

CHILDCARE

Modré nebe, located at Elišky Krásnohorské 6 in Prague 1, recently opened a morning nursery school for children from 12 months to 3 years old. Classes run everyday, though parents can choose how often to bring their children. Each day of the week has a special theme: painting, dance, art, yoga or music. English- and Czech-speaking teachers take care of groups of 10 children. Opening hours are Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, visit www.modrenebe.cz.